Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Favorite Pancakes (with eggs)
Stack of golden pancakes with a side of blueberries.

Favorite Pancakes (with eggs)

Enjoy these pancakes for breakfast or brunch.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 pancakes (4-inch)
Low-Fat Tartar Sauce
Small bowl of tartar sauce with a vegetable patty.

Low-Fat Tartar Sauce

A healthy homemade tartar sauce with fresh herbs and tangy mustard, perfect to serve with seafood.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad
Big bowl of spiral pasta with vegetables.

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Crisp vegetables, hearty whole-wheat pasta and Italian dressing make the perfect summer pasta salad.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Fried Rice with Pork
Colorful plate of sautéed rice, pork and vegetables with a soy sauce glaze.

Fried Rice with Pork

A simple and adaptable recipe that uses any vegetables you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Simple Sautéed Mushrooms
Photo of Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

These sautéed mushrooms add rich flavor to roasted proteins, grain bowls, baked potatoes and so much more!
Prepare:
7 minutes
Cook:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)